(SBA) - The discussion of the Bond Measure remains alive and well in Sergeant Bluff-Luton, which is what SB-L means to me since moving here 55 years ago in 1970. I remain steadfast for my love of this community, which I have seen grow leaps and bounds since my family’s arrival here from Texas, when the population was a hefty 1,164 people! Because of my feelings for Sergeant Bluff, I feel the need to discuss “Common Sense” which turns out to not be so common. Context matters when it comes to what is considered Common Sense.
The recent Warrior Update was a great source of information and inspiration! It told us that 66% of our graduating seniors received High Honors or the Highest Honors! The statewide numbers are not in yet for 2025, but history shows us that this is an outstanding accomplishment for our school district! Congratulations to all that contributed to this feat!
The Update also told us about the progress at the East Campus where we are building a new baseball and softball complex, as well as, tennis courts that can also be used for pickleball courts by the community. This Campus is being built with SAVE funds (Secure and Advanced Vision for Education), also known as monies from the statewide sales tax dollars that are dedicated to our school districts. There will be NO INCREASE IN OUR PROPERTY TAXES nor any increase in our debt because of this project. Our school district receives approximately $1.5MM annually from SAVE, which can be, and has been, used for infrastructure improvements, but it makes no sense to use these funds to whittle down the monstrous improvements that we need overall. That would be like putting a small band aid on a huge cut. We will also receive funding from WIT and a CTE grant, totaling $3MM to help build the Career and Education Tech Building to provide advanced learning opportunities for students who want to go into the skilled trades, and we all know that we need more of these skilled professionals in our lives!
I believe that the main part of Phase I of the bond issue was to replace the K-2 building that was constructed in or around 1958. That’s why we are relocating our baseball and softball fields to the East Campus to make room to connect the K-2 building to the Elementary school. It makes perfect sense to repurpose this area! The K-2 building needs to go! I went to school there beginning in the 3rd grade and it has served its purpose! There is asbestos in the floors and ceilings, and the HVAC system needs to be replaced to the tune of $6.5MM today and the price tag will keep on going higher! And the K-2 building cannot be compared to the old military housing (Capehart) that was built at the same time. My Dad made many repairs and improvements to that property in 1970 and after when my family owned it. I do not know what has gone on with that property since 1983 when my family sold it, but a person with common sense cannot compare the two properties solely based upon the year that they were built! They are completely different!
On average in the state of Iowa, the annual cost to educate a student is $16,280, and SB-L is tracking at a lower rate of $15,400 annually, without costs for special needs. How much is enough, the “common sense” seeker asks? Children are our investment in the future. They must be fully educated and be provided with the best learning tools necessary. And currently we are educating our children at a cost below the average in Iowa.
Our society has changed in so many ways and will continue to do so. The decision to move to cashless purchases at games and events is a sign of the times and will also be a part of Warrior Enterprises, which is part of the business class in the 2025-2026 school year. Have you been to a college or professional sporting event recently? I understand that there are maybe 4 MLB teams that accept cash payments currently. This process improves speed, efficiency, and hygiene, in light of the covid pandemic. And today’s cash registers do not train users to make change because they tell the user how much to give back to the customer!
Kudos to ALL for the accomplishments of the students with their scholastic achievements, the athletes, the FCCLA (Iowa Family Career and Community Leaders of America), students in Computer Science who are helping our elderly communicate, and students doing acts of random kindness! Back to the Warrior Update – It didn’t appear to me that there is Sports Before Learning; I did see many aspects of Strengthen-Build-Lead, Standards Based Learning, and Schools Building Leaders!
Please get behind the School Board’s plan for the future of our schools. My business is in Sergeant Bluff but I no longer live here so I do not get to vote for things that I am passionate about. I have paid school taxes for 30 years and I’m happy to pay them. As I said above, the population in 1970 was 1,164 people. In 2023, our population climbed to 5,274. People choose to live here because of our schools. It is pathetic that we are still starting our kids out in an outdated facility in dire need of repair. Since I’m in the business of food, I equate everything with food costs! Back in 2006 with the first ask for a bond issue, it would have cost you a small bag of chips per month; now the ask will be a large supreme pizza or 1 ½ pounds of brisket per month, which equates to about $30 for an average homeowner. These costs will only track higher. People who are full of complaints could also come forward with solutions. Please use Common Sense to stop the bleed and vote for what is right and necessary. ~ Cathy Bishop, Owner, Aggies bbq, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
